Does Dave Mitchell Have Purple Chameleon Nightmares ?

As coach of Perth Glory in any given 90 minutes Dave Mitchell’s emotions must run the full gamut from total incredulity at the naivety of some of the decisions of his charges to admiration, pride and excitement at the quality and inventiveness of their play.

The poor man must go home totally drained as, I am certain do many in the resurgent Glory Army.

It has been a purple and orange chameleon season for the Glory. A horrendous start in which the team were written off as ‘wooden spooners in waiting’ to a second half of the season the equal or better of all of the final series contenders.

Take the last home game against Melbourne Victory for example. The first 20 minutes was abysmal. Glory could and perhaps should have been 3-0 down.

Poor defensive decisions and failure to deal with the pace of Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp had left many of us thinking it was going to be a long 90 minutes.

A drinks break for 2 minutes due to the heat and Glory come out and totally turn the tables with a least 5 clear cut chances, two of which they put away for a half time lead.

I don’t know what Mitchell said in those 2 minutes but whatever it was seemed to make a ton of difference.

The second half was another game entirely. Melbourne with a potential Minor Premiership there for the taking came back into the game and, once again, they were gifted an early goal.

Glory, after having been in various stages of the match shell-shocked, dominated, dominant and rampant were now well-organised and resolute in keeping Melbourne at bay.

As Victory pushed for the winner it was inevitable Glory would find opportunities and it was a goal to savour by Eugene Dadi that secured the points for the home side.

The question now is, of course, ‘where to from here’ ?

Mitchell has been secured as coach in the medium term and this, to my mind, is a great decision. Since that decision was made known earlier in the season the results, in the main, have been better and the quality of football on show has improved dramatically.

Wayne Shroj has re-signed and this is a boon to the club as his role in anchoring the midfield has been central to many of the Glory’s better performances.

From a defensive perspective Nikolai Topor-Stanley is off to join the Jets and Jamie Harnwell’s legs aren’t getting any younger. Hayden Foxe, as in much of his career, has been beset by an unfortunate series of injuries, Dino Djulbic has had a chequered season and David Tarka – well I haven’t seen him often enough to comment.

Topor-Stanley is as much an enigma as the Glory team. He looked totally lost at fullback earlier in the season and most times comfortable and assured in the centre of Glory’s defence from mid-season onwards. He still has a tendency to attack balls that central midfielders should be winning leaving Harnwell exposed to the pace of opposition strikers as he was for the first goal this week.

Harnwell doesn’t seem to be playing as a sweeper in the true sense of the word so, once he is caught square, he is often going to struggle for pace against the likes of Allsopp, Thompson, Shane Smeltz and other A-League strikers. Where Harwell excels is in the timing of his tackles and his aerial ability. Perhaps if it had been Harwell attacking the ball and Topor-Stanley covering then Victory would have had to work harder, however, my gut feel tells me that it would be very difficult to harness Topor-Stanley’s desire to go and win the ball rather than cover Harwell.

With an excellent debut from Scott Neville and Downey still to come back into the side Glory look to have good coverage on the right side of defence, however, the left is another matter.

Glory need a quality left side defensive player with pace, strength and guile. Mitchell has tried a few in that position during the season and I don’t believe he has found a solution as yet.

The midfield has improved considerably during the season. Pellegrino is a shoe-in for a start having made the right midfield role his own. Wayne Shroj must be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Jamie Coyne has a very high work rate and, in partnership with Shroj, is the engine room of the team, however, needs to concentrate more on playing simple football when he is in possession. 

Amaral was all class when on the park, however, as with Hayden Foxe, injuries have deprived us of his contribution for much of the season.   

Mark Anthony has shown consistency when given the chance of a game, however, may struggle to gain a starting role every week due to the quality of some of the other candidates in the centre of midfield.  

Left midfield has been a position that has also seen a few faces throughout the season. Scott Bulloch has progressed as a player since his recruitment from the state league and will only get better if he gets more chances in 2009. Nicky Rizzo had an extended run in the side as well and has improved as the season has progressed.

Adrian Trinidad is a classic ball player that has received a number of accolades from football commentators for his touch and vision, however, once again I cannot see him doing his undoubted talent justice out on the left.

That leaves Victor Sikora. Sikora has a fine pedigree and if his non-stop effort and movement in 34 degree heat on the weekend is anything to go by he will be a superb acquisition for the Glory should they make the deal permanent. Whether his position is wide on the left of midfield though - I’m not so sure.

With regards to our striking options. Dadi holds the ball up better than any striker in the A-League. he has drawn more fouls than any striker in the league and is towards the top of the scoring charts in a team that is second from bottom. If Glory can secure his services for another season or two at a reasonable rate they undoubtably should.

Nikita Rukavytsya is on a plane to FC Twente as I write this for a week’s trial. If they do not sign him then somebody else will eventually.

Nikita’s raw pace is electric and causes trouble to all ALeague defenders. As he matures his understanding of the game will improve and along with that, no doubt, his sometimes questionable first touch. Result – we cannot count on having Rukavytsya in the side for much longer.

Rather than relying on two out and out strikers, perhaps the team would benefit from having a player in between the striker (Dadi) and the midfield providing an outlet for Coyne and Shroj. The job description here is for someone with good first touch, excellent reading of the game, vision and the ability to bring other players into the game. Trinidad might fit the role if given an extended run as might Sikora.

This would place a greater emphasis on the wide midfielders to get forward and back. Pellegrino has proven his ability to do this and Bulloch and Rizzo have the pace and stamina as well although both need to improve defensively.

If Rukavytsya is bound for Europe though Mitchell will undoubtedly need a new face to maintain Glory’s capacity to score goals and to ensure continued competition for places. 

Tando Velaphi has made the keeper’s role his own and with backup from Frank Juric next season should continue to show marked improvement. No problems there.

To top this off Glory have a number of very promising youngsters coming through the ranks. The Youth League is a fantastic way to develop their talent and to help Mitchell and his coaching team identify which of those coming through will get the opportunity to prove they can make the grade.

We have already mentioned Neville’s superb performance on the weekend, however, as they mature no doubt we will see the best from Skorich, Jukic and many more moving forward.   

In conclusion it could be a lot worse for Mitchell and the Glory. We have the basis of a very strong squad. Difficult decisions must be made on the capabilities of Amaral and Foxe to last more than a smattering of matches in a season, however, they both remain superb footballers at this level so this is not an easy decision.    

Mitchell’s commitment to repackaging the Glory as a competent footballing side that can score goals and excite the crowd is a huge improvement on past days when it seemed your ability to do well in the beep test was a pre-requisite for a starting berth.

New board members elected at Football West AGM

Football West has appointed two new directors after their AGM this week. Liam Twigger and Janette Spencer are the new members, whilst Kevin Campbell and Paul Kelly have both been successful in being reappointed, all four directors will serve a four year term.

This brings the current board to a total of six members, joining existing directors Rob McKay and Luke Martin whom were not up for election.

Liam Twigger joins the board with a strong corporate finance background, having worked for Macquarie Bank, Bankers Trust Investment Bank and currently with PCF Capital.

He has a Bachelor of Economics degree at UWA and a Graduate Diploma of Business at ECU. He has represented the state in his junior days and played for Kingsway Olympic, Sorrento, Balga & Inglewood United. He was also a director & Treasurer in the old Soccer West Coast from 2000-02.

anette Spencer has had a number of roles within sporting or volunteer organisations throughout Western Australia including President of Women’s Soccer WA, project manager for the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme at the Department of Sport and Recreation and Senior Manager for Projects at Volunteering WA. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and a post graduate diploma of Project Management, both at Curtin

Kevin Campbell, Football West Chairman for the past four years, is looking forward to working closely with the other Board Members and the Football West team during the coming years in advancing all aspects of the world game football.  He also wished to have recognised the contribution made and commitment given by retiring foundation member Steve Coppack over the previous four years

Socceroos break into world’s top 30

Australia climbed nine places to be 28th in the world ranking this week, their highest-ever FIFA ranking, following the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bahrain in Manama last month.

Pim Verbeek’s side continues to lead the way in the Asian confederation ahead of Japan, who are up three spots to No.35. The Socceroos played 13 matches in 2008, managing eight wins, three draws and two losses.

Their best performances included two big wins over Qatar, a shock 2-1 friendly win over the Netherlands in September and gutsy away wins over Iraq and Uzbekistan.

Australia next face Indonesia in a friendly on January 28, ahead of February 11′s qualifying match against Japan, where a win would almost assure 2010 World Cup qualification.

European champions Spain ended the year as the world’s No.1 ranked nation after winning all 16 of their matches in 2008.

Germany, beaten finalists at Euro 2000, is still No.2 while the Netherlands rose to No.3, trading places with fourth-placed world champions Italy.

South American rivals Brazil and Argentina followed in fifth and sixth while England continued their revival under Coach Fabio Capello, moving up two places to No.8.

New Zealand suffered the biggest drop, falling 26 places to No.86.

Heathridge Soccer Club Teams Up With Youth Focus

Heathridge Soccer Club has kicked off a new alliance with Youth Focus.

The partnership, benefiting young people, aged 12 to 18 years, showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm will focus on a number of initiatives aimed at making a positive difference to the lives of WA youth at risk.

The objectives of the alliance are to use football as a tool to raise awareness and understanding of the issues which affect the mental health of young people, raise funds for Youth Focus and promote awareness of the services they provide.

About Heathridge Soccer Club…..
Heathridge Soccer Club is one of the largest Football Clubs in Western Australia with some 850 plus Junior & Senior members. Our home base is the modern Iluka Sports Complex on the corner of Marmion Avenue & Miami Beach Promenade, Iluka, WA.

The Club is a not-for-profit organisation and aims to provide an enjoyable, affordable and rewarding football experience for all.

About Youth Focus…..
Youth Focus is a West Australian, non-profit community based organisation working with young people, aged 12 to 18 years, who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm. Youth Focus can also provide services to their families. Youth Focus values young lives by ensuring the emotional well-being of young people, developing their self worth and offering them the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Velaphi wonder save earns Glory a point

A goal seven minutes from time from Wellington Phoenix’s Tim Brown denied the Glory the three points in the round 15 A-League clash at the Westpac Stadium.

Eugene Dadi had fired David Mitchell’s side ahead on 75 minutes, but in the end, skipper for the day Jamie Harnwell, and keeper Tando Velaphi both denied the home side the points with desperate defending and a world class save in a dramatic final fifteen minutes.   

Glory gave an A-League starting debut to Stirling Lions midfielder Marc Anthony, replacing the injured Jamie Coyne while Nikita Rukavytsya replaced Adrian Trinidad up front.

The Phoenix was missing Brazilian import Fred, who had to return home after the death of his farther. He was replaced by Troy Hearfield in midfield while keeper Glen Moss replaced the injured Mark Paston. Both sides started cautiously, with the knowledge that only a win would enhance their respective chances of a top-four spot.

The first chance fell to the Glory on six minutes, James Downey was sent clear by a clear flick from Dadi and his pace took him clear down the right. His first cross was blocked but his follow up shot drifted wide.

There were chances at both ends as the game opened up, first on eight minutes a Andrew Durante header sailed just wide for the Phoenix, and sixty seconds later Glory’s Nikita Rukavytsya cut inside from the right and his crossed found Dadi who fired wide.

A mazy run by former Glory midfielder, Leo Bertos, saw the winger whip in a useful cross that was met by Shane Smeltz. The ball narrowly missed the target, but the linesman had flagged a foul against the Phoenix striker.

It was Bertos again three minutes later, he turned Glory defender Naum Sekulovski inside out before hitting a fierce drive from the edge of the 18-yard box that Velaphi did well to hold.

The Glory were struggling to put an attacking treat on the Phoenix goal but were defending well to deny the home side, but the best chance of the half came for the home team on 31 minutes. Smeltz managing to evade several Glory tackles on the edge of the box, his shot from 20-yards flashed inches past the post with Velaphi at full stretch.

Whatever was said at half-time did the trick, as the two sides came out firing in the second half as both teams lifted the tempo and threw men forward.

Glory had the first real chance on 51 minutes, following some sustained pressure on the home team. Downey ball into the box wasn’t cleared successfully and it fell invitingly to Nikita Rukavytsya, but the Australian International’s volley smashed on to the crossbar.

Just a minute later, it was the Phoenix’s turn to hit the bar in what has to go down as the miss of the season from Smeltz. A poor back pass from Sekulovski let the striker in on goal and a one-on-one situation with Velaphi. The Perth stopper was able to partially glove the ball, leaving Smeltz with an open goal from eight yards, and somehow he was only able to hit it against the crossbar, when it seemed easier to score.

The Phoenix had another good chance on 63 minutes, when Michael Ferrante shot was well saved by Velaphi, but it was the Glory who made the most of their chances and they broke the deadlock on 75 minutes through Dadi. After some poor defence from the Phoenix, when they failed to clear their lines the ball fell to the big Ivorian striker who volleyed home from five-yards.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert made an immediate change bringing on Brazilian Daniel and he had an immediate impact on 83 minutes. His surging run and a clever one-two with Bertos opened the Glory defence up, and his curling shot was brilliantly palmed away by Velaphi, but the rebound broke for Brown who nodded home to level the scores.

The home side pressed looking for the winner and Harnwell had to be alert to block a goalbound shot from Jon MacKain, and Bertos very nearly sealed it for the home side on 89 minute. His curling shot from 25-yards was superbly saved by Velaphi at full stretch

Mitchell made several late substitutions as much needed fresh legs were injected into the Glory line-up, including young midfielder Andrija Jukic who made his Hyundai A-League debut after being promoted from the Youth Team. It was enough to help Perth repel Wellington’s forward pressure and secure a point that keeps them in touch with the top four.

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell, thought his side might have done enough after they took the lead against the home side against the run of play.

“I thought we had done enough to win the game after we scored. The Phoenix had put us under pressure, but I felt that once we got that goal, we’d be able to hold on. Ultimately, it spurred them into action and Tando [Velaphi] made some good saves to keep us in the game,” Mitchell said.

Perth came into the match off the back of an impressive win over the Melbourne Victory last week, and was full of confidence heading into the fixture.

“We knew Wellington would be up for a good game and they would have improved from the game against Adelaide, but we felt confident we could come here and get three points,” Mitchell added.

Given the result, Perth’s chances of making the top four are looking increasingly slim, but Mitchell has not ruled out an assault on the finals.

“While there’s still a chance mathematically, we have to believe we can do it. Obviously, today was not the result that either side wanted, but I still have belief in the side,” he said.

Ricki Herbert was left ruing his side’s missed chances following its 1-1 draw with Perth Glory in New Zealand on Saturday night.

After a dull first half, the match sparked to life in the second period with both sides registering goals. The Phoenix dominated proceedings, but were left frustrated after they failed to convert a number of good chances.

“Ultimately, it felt like a couple of points lost tonight to be fair. But at least we got something from it, other nights we might have got nothing,” Herbert said.

A lot has been made of the form of Shane Smeltz, who did not have a particularly strong game, but Herbert was quick to deny suggestions that his side struggle when Smeltz is not playing at his best.

“It’s hard to hang it on him every week … other people in the squad contribute and Tim (Brown) added his third of the season tonight,” Herbert said.

“I also think it’s fair to point out that we were probably a bit tentative tonight, given that we’d come off being hit for six (goals) last weekend.”

Phoenix skipper Tim Brown echoed his coach’s sentiments, and highlighted the level of frustration that the players felt out in the middle.

“As Ricki said, it was probably a case of a few points lost. We just have to get our heads down and work out how to win these sorts of games as these will be very important heading into the finals. Next Friday will be a massive game for us,” he said.

Wellington Phoenix – 1 (Tim Brown 83’)
Perth Glory – 1 (Eugene Dadi 76’)
Crowd: 6,362 @ Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

Wellington Phoenix: GK Glen Moss, 3 Tony Lochhead, 4 Jon McKain, 6 Tim Brown, 7 Leo Bertos, 9 Shane Smeltz, 10 Michael Ferrante (11 Daniel 73’), 13 Troy Hearfield, 18 Ben Sigmund (5 Karl Dodd 67’),  22 Andrew Durante (captain), 25 Manny Muscat. Unused Subs: 2 Jeremy Christie, 30 Scott Higgins (gk).

Perth Glory: GK Tando Velaphi, 2 Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5 Jamie Harnwell, 11 Scott Bulloch, 13 Nikita Rukavytsya (28 Andrija Jukic 90’), 14 Eugene Dadi (7 Nick Rizzo 90’), 16 Adriano Pellegrino, 17 James Downey, 19 Naum Sekulovski (3 David Tarka 86’), 22 Wayne Srhoj, 25 Marc Anthony. Unused Subs: Jason Petkovic (gk).

Referee: Strebre Delovski

Glory girls stun Sydney

The Glory, who let a 3-1 lead last week slip to eventually lose 3-5 to league leaders Queensland Roar, had teenager Marianna Tabain to thank, when she grabbed the winner on 65 minutes against the run of play, but Nicola Williams side hung on for their first away victory of the season.

Perth Glory dealt Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League finals ambitions a blow in scoring a shock 1-0 win at Parramatta Stadium.

Perth, which was without the services of dynamic striker Lisa De Vanna, was still able to cause the Sydneysiders plenty of difficulties as the match opened up in the latter stages.

The opening stanza saw Sydney create numerous half chances in scorching conditions with Leena Khamis and Danielle Small both seeing their efforts saved by Luisa Marzotto.

Nicola Bolger shot narrowly wide and Kylie Ledbrook hit the side netting as Sydney continued the one-way traffic.

Perth battled gamely but struggled for fluency going forward with its only notable moment of the first half coming from Collette McCallum firing wide from distance.

The second half was a similar story until the goal with Tabain pouncing on a Sydney defensive error to grab the winner.

The Glory had claims for a penalty when Sam Kerr burst into the area but the referee deemed the challenge of Alesha Clifford to be fair.

Playmaker McCallum set up Kerr again soon after but the midfielder mishit what was a good scoring opportunity as the match opened up at each end of the field.

The home side appeared to have evened the ledger in the final minutes through Joanne Burgess only to hear the whistle blow for an earlier infringement.

Burgess provided fresh impetus for Sydney after taking the field on the hour mark following several weeks of absence with injury.

The Sky Blues were also well served by former Matilda Kelly Golebiowski playing her first game at this level after several years’ absence from the top flight.

However the Glory were not to be denied in claiming just their second win of the season, while Sydney now has just one win from its last six outings.

Glory Coach Nicola Williams was delighted with teams performance. “It was a very competitive game, we managed to hang in there at the end after taking the lead,” said Williams.

“The game was very even. We played really well, but it was just a matter of grinding it out at the end to hold onto the points.”

“The team are very happy, the spirit and bond between the girls is very strong at the moment and the win has drawn them together even closer. They had the carrot dangled in front of them today and they took it which was very pleasing.”

Sydney FC 0
Perth Glory 1 (Marianna Tabain 65′)

Sydney FC: Nikola DEITER (gk), Danielle BROGAN, Alesha CLIFFORD, Lisa GILBERT (c), Servet UZUNLAR (Joanne Burgess 61’), Kylie LEDBROOK, Danielle SMALL, Nicola BOLGER (Linda O’Neill 55’), Leena KHAMIS, Jordan MARSH, Kelly GOLEBOWSKI
Substitutes: Rachel Cooper (gk), Loren Mahoney

Yellow cards: O’Neill 70′

Perth Glory: Luisa MARZOTTO (gk), Stacey LEARMONT, Carys HAWKINS (Katy Coghlan 74’), Ciara CONWAY (Shannon May 26’), Tanya OXTOBY (c), Ella MASTRANTONIO, Dani CALAUTTI, Elisa D’OVIDIO (Katarina Juric 80’), Collette McCALLUM, Marianna TABAIN

Yellow cards: McCallum 92′

Referee: Sara Hodson
Attendance: 300

 

Bamber rewarded with contract extension

After a stellar season in his first year in charge of Inglewood United, Coach Lee Bamber has been rewarded with a contract extension. There had been rumours rife the 39-year-old would be shown the door at the Clipsal Stadium club this season, but he is happy to but them to bed. “Rumours are great aren’t they? I can confirm that have been re-appointed for next season and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Bamber.

 “We know it will be tougher next season, because the expectations are higher and the surprise element has gone. We’re looking to bring in 4-5 new players to enhance the squad and increase the competition for places. We’ll use the night series to blood some of the youngsters and gradually integrate them into the first team,” added the former Preston North End Centre of Excellence Coach.

Many pundits had Bamber down for the 2008 ‘Coach of the year’ award at the Gold medal night but he was happy that Mladen Kovacevic walked away with the clubs only award, ‘Goal of the season’, on the night, and he was happy the way his side responded to him last season. “It was a fantastic goal from Mladen, by far the best goal (caught on camera) of the nominees. Mladen is gradually maturing as a player and is a valuable member of the squad because he can play in a number of positions. He just has to be more consistent with his performances,” said Bamber.

 “On last season, I always thought we would finish in the top four and that was our aim, during the season. The boys surpassed my expectations in some games but then fell well below the standards we had set in others, but overall I was happy with the season and I’m expecting the same in 2009,” added Bamber.

For the former keeper it’s been a hectic but enjoyable season, one where he has tasted success on the pitch with amateur side Gosnells City, where he helped them to the double this season. “I was always told you’re a long time not playing and to keep playing for as long as you can at whatever level. I’m enjoying having a run up front nowadays as oppose to playing in goal, but we’ve got a great bunch of lads at Gossies and to achieve the double this season was superb,” explained Bamber.

Football in the Swan United

Football in WA is growing rapidly and with the A-League coverage bringing in new faces each season, the code in the Swan region has been given a timely boost with the merger between Swan IC and Swan Districts Juniors to form Swan United Football Club.

The clubs have been in discussions for a number of years but the proposed merger had fallen through, but after intense negotiations between Presidents Cosimo Coniglio (Swan IC) and Peter Johns (Swan District) and their committee’s has seen the new club form.

For Johns it’s a decision that will benefit both clubs. “Any change that you make of this magnitude is a big one that takes a lot of consideration and deliberation. We see it as being in the long term benefit for the club, the sport and the players in our area.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players, giving them a set path from the age of four all the way through to the senior teams,” said Johns.

His Swan IC counterpart Coniglio echoed Johns’ thoughts. “It’s a huge decision for our club, but saying that we’ve been trying to merge for the last seven years, it’s for the benefit of the kids in the Swan area and they now have the pathway to senior football which is tremendous.  It gives the opportunity to the local boys to play Premier League football instead of travelling a long distance to do so,” said Coniglio.  

Senior Coach Paul Lincoln hopes the future of the club is in safe hands and he has been delighted with the lads trialling from Swan Districts in the under 18’s side. “I’ve been at the trials and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the players. The new club will have depth in the 18’s and players who miss out will be eligible for the under 16’s and can play in that age group and continue their improvement.

“We found some real gems last season in the 18’s and 23’s and I’m all for playing players in the senior side, what ever age they are, if they are good enough and I’ll continue on with that this season. If we can get the youth development right the young kids coming through the ranks now can aim for a first team spot and if they work hard and listen to the advice given to them we will have a good future at the club,” said Lincoln.

Swans skipper last season and former Perth Glory player, Aaron Cole believes the new club is good for everyone concerned. “The new name change is great for the club and the whole Swan/Midland area. It brings the two clubs together which will show the strength of future junior players becoming senior players and creating an identity which has been lacking,” said Cole.

For the Swan United junior secretary Deb Hounsham, she can see the benefits both on and off the pitch with here two sons, 15-year-old Sam and 8-year old Ky relishing the opportunity to play for the senior side. “Sam has been with Swan districts junior soccer association for nearly 11 years, all he wants to do is play pro soccer, his future was looking a little bleak, and he was wondering what club he was going to go to. 

“Those who are involved in football know that between the ages of 14 and 16 smaller clubs start losing those players to the bigger clubs, particularly those who want to continue down the professional path. With the merger that has happened between our clubs, the kids now have somewhere  professional to go  and don’t have to look elsewhere, and can continue to develop at a higher level with the exceptional training that they are about to get, which is fantastic,” said Hounsham.     

Swan Districts have 260 players in their club, and the new clubs Coaching Co-ordinator Nick Edwards is relishing the opportunity of developing the talented juniors. “This is one of the most exciting events to happen with football in our region for many years and l encourage other clubs around Perth to do the same! With dwindling volunteer resources and the constant strain on people, money and grounds such rationalisation is definitely a worthy project and we see this as a great opportunity for young players who aspire to achieve this level of competition in WA. 

 

“At Swan United FC we know we can’t offer players top teams at a junior level for 2009, however over the next few years we hope to turn that around with some talented players coming through. What we can offer is qualified coaching, a well organised committee with a family friendly atmosphere and opportunities for young players to mix with WA State Premier players,” said Edwards.

Amphlett looking for big improvement

ECU Joondalup President Steve ‘Syd’ Amphlett is looking forward to the new season but he is hoping for a big improvement from the side. Recently re-appointed at the clubs AGM, Amphlett hopes to put the disappointing season behind them. “Disappointment was an understatement. We were top of the league after eight games, but the team was decimated by various factors which cannot be used as an excuse,” said Amphlett.

“Yes I know Willie McNally left to join the Glory, but too many players went overseas during the season and a lack of professionalism from part of the playing group contributed to our downfall, but everything the club was striving for was de-stabilised over a very short space of time,” added Amphlett.

With Alan Vest coming on board next season to join McNally, Amphlett believes the pair will give the club a boost. “This is a massive boost for us to get one present and one past Glory coach. It is a clean slate and everyone has a chance to claim a first team spot. I have no doubt that Alan has little time for anyone along for the ride.

“ECU will be organised, professional and ready for each game, we cannot ask for more than that. The players are well paid and will be required to put 100% in every week for the shirt, do that and the results and performance will follow,” explained Amphlett.

Amphlett added: “This League is competitive but the standard needs to keep improving. The quality of young players coming through is exceptional and this can be seen through the NTC and Glory Youth.

“The future for Glory looks bright, yet they can’t all play for an A league team or go overseas so as they come back into the League, so I expect the standard to keep improving.

“We sent four players overseas last year, as good as any of the eight seasons I have been here. Our Under18 for 2009 looks exceptional, and the NTC would want seven of our players, so either way, the players will get the best coaching”.

The club have been hard at work to sign new players for 2009 but Amphlett is tight lipped on the players “We have agreed with certain players but a lot can happen between now and when they are officially signed and as amateurs, they are always free to move to a better offer. I am quietly confident that the players we have sighted will add to what is already a very competitive squad,” said Amphlett.

“We’ve lost Craig Young who has moved on to Mandurah City and John Thornley who has gone to Armadale, I wish them both good luck in their future endeavours,” added Amphlett.

Off the pitch the club has big plans to upgrade their facilities at the ECU University arena and Amphlett has worked hard to get the club as professional as he can. “My plan is to build and complete the clubhouse and ensure the club is ready for any positive changes that FW may do to the league. Then make ECU a competitive team every year, and once I have done all that, I will retire a happy man and try to take up golf again,” joked Amphlett.

 

Currie planning for big season ahead

With the new 2009 Football West Premier League season only just around the corner Mandurah City Coach Stuart Currie spoke to us over a quiet beer and reflected his thoughts on last season when the Hyundai Stadium side were superb in their first ever season in the top flight of football in WA, and was he pleased with the clubs fifth placed finish, especially when they were the favourites for relegation.

“We really enjoyed the season Peter, and although people tipped us for relegation we were always confident of doing well. We were very disappointed in the end that we missed the top four finals by a point, but on the whole I was delighted with the way the lads worked their socks off for us,” said Currie.

In all league competitions around the world clubs that are promoted have a good season first up but have the second season blues, when the surprise factor has gone. Currie believes however with few new recruits and a strong local crowd the Dolphins will be Ok in 2009.

“I think most teams that come to the Hyundai Stadium will know that they will have to work very hard to take points home with them.

“Last season we lost some very soft goals, this was due to inexperience and a lack of concentration at certain times in the game, and we are working hard to fix this for next season.

“Pre-season has already begun and the boys are working hard at the gym on Tuesday and Thursday nights. We have  a lot of new faces down at training at the moment, but players that we have signed so far are Craig Young from ECU Joondalup, Phil Straker from Stirling Lions, Marco Aleksic from Cockburn City and Rafael Insaurralde from Floreat Athena. We also hope to have a few new signings very soon, so watch this space!,” said Currie.

“We’ve had a good retention of players from last season although we’ve lost two due to retirement, keeper Mike Green and Gary Collins. I wish them both all the best in the future,” added Currie. 

Off the park the club has secured the services of Currie for another year and he’s busy planning for the season ahead, and he has also added to his backroom staff for the upcoming campaign. “I’m really looking forward to this season, with the new players on board and the lessons we all learned from last season I think we should be able to push on for a place in the top four.

“Chris Nicholson has come on the coaching staff this year and he will be in charge of our reserves and help out with some training drills with the first team. My able assistants Ron Harrison and Billy Russell will still be with me this season, as I’m the only one who can understand Billy,” joked Currie..

The club has lost their first team manger this season with Kirk O’Connor leaving but Currie was quick to thank O’Connor for all his work around the club. “Kirk is one of the nicest people I have ever met and I’m sure we’ll catch up over the season. The work he did round the club will be sorely missed and I know the boys will miss him in the changing rooms as he always had everything set out so professionally.

“Personally I will miss him a lot as we have worked together for a few years now and he was always the first to give me words of encouragement when things were not going to well,” explained Currie.

Football in the state league is regularly criticised but the former Perth City, Wanneroo City and ECU Joondalup Coach, Currie, believes football in WA has improved greatly, and he hopes it continues.

“Personally I think the standard is very good and a lot of people under estimate the talent we have playing here. I am sure if we can get a few more local players in the Glory side then we will attract more people to our state league games,” said the Scotsman.

There has been talk of the NTC squad’s entering the Premier League next season but Currie has reservations on the idea. “The programme has a lot of positives and a whole lot more negatives. Some of these players have been in the programme for a few years and unfortunately when they get to 16/17 years of age and are no longer required it is hard for them to fall back into a club environment as they are so used to training with there so called elite players five nights a week.

“I defiantly would be against them playing in the league, for me if they require games then they should be mid week against sides who offer to play them, last season was very unfair on clubs having to play mid week so the NTC team could play on a Saturday, just my thoughts,” said Currie.

Thanks for your time Stuart, and I think it’s your round!!

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